The U.S. Air Force has achieved a significant milestone in its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program with the successful flight of the YFQ-42A prototype, developed in collaboration with General Atomics. This marks a shift in acquisition strategies, focusing on rapid, modular, and cost-effective uncrewed aircraft that will operate alongside advanced crewed fighters. The program emphasizes a competitive approach and open-system architectures to enhance capabilities swiftly. This initiative aims to enhance combat effectiveness through innovative human-machine teaming, optimizing performance in evolving battlefield scenarios, a strategy that underscores the importance of agility and technological advancement in modern warfare.